Lead Diesel Technician - Madison, WI
About The Position
Transport Refrigeration, Inc. (TRI) is seeking a Lead Diesel/Reefer Technician to combine advanced transport-refrigeration work with daily coordination of technicians, repair priorities, quality, customer deadlines, repair orders, training, and cross-shift communication. This role is crucial for keeping technicians productive, ensuring accurate repairs, informing customers, and preparing the next shift, while also providing hands-on technical support when needed. TRI is a factory-authorized Thermo King dealer focused on safe work, clear customer service, technical growth, teamwork, and quality.
Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent; technical/vocational training is preferred.
- Strong hands-on technician experience in transport refrigeration, HVAC/R, diesel, automotive, or related systems.
- Prior lead/supervisory experience or demonstrated leadership readiness.
- Ability to assign work, coach technicians, communicate expectations, and maintain accountability respectfully.
- Valid unrestricted driver's license and ability to travel for training, meetings, projects, or trade shows.
- EPA 608/609 and applicable Wisconsin mobile A/C certification; ability to maintain/increase Certi-Tech level and complete forklift certification.
- Clear work-order writing, basic math, and Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook skills.
- Professional toolbox with standard/metric hand and air tools plus required refrigeration/electrical specialty tools.
- Ability to work overtime, road service, and on-call duties when needed.
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds several times per day and work from ladders, scaffolding, and creepers.
- Professional, respectful, safety-focused, team-first leadership style.
Nice To Haves
- Technical/vocational training
Responsibilities
- Plan and manage shift workflow, assign work, monitor standard repair times, and adjust priorities as customer needs change.
- Ensure technicians complete safe, high-quality repairs and installations on time.
- Open repair orders, document work to be completed, and review completed jobs for labor, parts, and clear repair descriptions.
- Communicate completed and incomplete work, risks, parts needs, and priorities to the next shift.
- Coach and train technicians across transport refrigeration, cab A/C, APU, heater, installation, road-service, and related product lines.
- Perform hands-on diagnostics, repairs, installations, rebuilds, road service, and on-call work.
- Assist customers, answer service calls, process C.O.D. work, and support Parts counter needs when coverage is unavailable.
- Oversee shop and yard cleanliness and safe use of vehicles, forklifts, hoists, saws, and tools.
- Protect confidential information and support other assigned service needs.
Benefits
- PTO begins accruing on Day 1.
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance with multiple plan options.
- Company contributions to eligible Health Savings Accounts.
- 401(k) with company match, subject to plan eligibility.
- Company-paid life insurance and long-term disability coverage.
- Paid onboarding, training, and opportunities to grow with TRI.
- Quarterly performance bonus opportunity, subject to current program terms.
- Boot and safety-glasses allowance.
- Paid Thermo King and professional certification training.
- Tuition reimbursement for eligible recent technical-school graduates.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
High school or GED
